History of Upper Saddle River

Archaeologists have found evidence that prehistoric cave-dwellers lived in the Saddle River Valley as far back as 7000 years ago. Later, Indian Tribes migrated here and, finding the area unpopulated (the cave-dwellers had long since disappeared), called themselves the Lenape, or original people.

In the 1600s, European settlers began to cross the Hudson from Manhattan Island and make their way up into our area. The first to put down roots in what is now Upper Saddle River was Isaiah Valleau who, in the early 1700s, took title to 300 acres where the schools and the Borough Hall are now. Others soon followed, carting their possessions up rough Indian trails along the river. They set about clearing the land for farms and building shelters of local materials, wood and stone.

There are a number of theories on the origin of the name Saddle River, but the most likely is that it came from two Scotsmen exploring the area in the 1600s who thought it resembled the Saddle Burn in their homeland.

George Washington marched his troops up the East Saddle River Road during the Revolution, and there are still a number of buildings in town that date from that era: the Hopper-Goetschius House (1730), which is now a museum; and three private residences: the Hopper-Taylor house on the corner of the West Road and Lake Street; the Hennion-Rudolph home on Pleasant Ave. and the Nicausie-Hopper house on Hopper Farm Road. Many other homes date from the early 1800s. The Old Stone Church, completed in 1819, replaced an earlier building built in 1787. The Van Riper-Tice Barn at the Hopper-Goetschius museum is a fine example of the New World Dutch Barns common in the area, and dates from 1800.

In addition to the farms there were a number of mills situated along the branches of the Saddle River. These were needed to grind grain into feed and flour and to saw wood. Three still exist as private homes: John Post’s mill on Hillside Avenue, another Post mill at 7 Old Stone Church Road, and the Bush mill off the West Saddle River Road. All were built about 1800.

In 1894 citizens of the area voted to incorporate as a Borough – there were 100 eligible voters in town and 50 of them cast ballots. The new Borough of Upper Saddle River had an assessed valuation of $129,400!

Upper Saddle River was primarily an agricultural community until after World War II, known for its apples and strawberries. The Borough remained small in population (under 500) until the 1950s when the zoning ordinance was passed. To imagine what the town was like back then you would have to take out 96% of the people and the houses! The farms have disappeared and the rural nature of Upper Saddle River has changed, but the homes, the trees, the landscaped yards, the schools and the river itself continue to make Upper Saddle River a unique and desirable place to live.

Kindergarten Registration: Parents of children (having attained the age of 5 years on or before October 1) are invited to attend Orientation Thurs, 1/10, 7 pm. RSVP to Mrs. Finn, Reynolds School Secretary at (201) 961-6300 or email cfinn@usrschoolsk8.com by Friday, January 4.

As Americans hit the road this holiday season to celebrate with family and friends, it’s important that we all drive safely—and safe driving means sober driving. That’s why The Upper Saddle River Police Department will be participating in the NHTSA... https://t.co/DrN5s0GTrk

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USR Library: KANOPY- The World’s Finest Cinema: The on-demand film streaming service Kanopy is now available for free to our cardholders! Access Kanopy and sign up to start streaming more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, instantly by visiting www.uppersaddleriverlibrary.org. Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku. ... See MoreSee Less

Today USR was well represented at Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s Hometown Heroes Award Ceremony. USR Firefighter of 48 years, Chief, Bergen County Fire Coordinator and Head Instructor at Bergen County Fire Academy Larry Rauch; Community Leader Sharon Reissman, Northern Highlands Principal Joe Occhino for his efforts in combating substance abuse and 2018 Northern Highlands graduate Stephanie Reifman for her HAPPY (heroin awareness peer program) were selected to receive awards. USR is blessed with a multitude of dedicated volunteers. On behalf of a grateful community, thank you to all of our volunteers for your dedication. #weloveusr ... See MoreSee Less

Upper Saddle River School District Kindergarten Registration: Parents of Kindergarten age children (having attained the age of 5 years on or before October 1) are invited to attend a Kindergarten Orientation Program. The meeting will be held in the Travers Multipurpose Room on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration procedures, a typical Kindergarten day, and curriculum will be discussed. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Mrs. Finn, Reynolds School Secretary at (201) 961-6300 or email cfinn@usrschoolsk8.com by Friday, January 4, 2019. ... See MoreSee Less